Who knows why octopuses have such a draw for me, when they are in fact so alien and, to many, frightening. I really cannot come up with any reason other than the unhelpful explanation that I simply love them.

In this book by Sy Montgomery, she introduces us to various octopuses she has met (and yes, octopuses as the plural of octopus is correct. Octopi is -regrettably- also correct, though only because its usage is common. Octopodes is the most correct, being the correct Greek pluralization, in contrast to the incorrect assumption by many that octopus pluralizes with an -i, as is true for other words with Latin roots, such as syllabus and cactus. And I may or may not have labeled myself as a total weirdo in a work training class with an explanation of the above during my self introduction.).



The Soul of an Octopus was both informative and touching. The stories and facts that I got to read about in this book were enrapturing. I loved reading about how the octopuses that the author meets would greet their human friends and surface from their tanks to touch and taste them. Like the author, I have to wonder how octopuses experience the world. With their brains not only consolidated in their heads, three hearts, and tactile suckers, the way they perceive us and their surroundings must be so different. Their behavior, as Sy explains in her book, is not always driven simply by primal needs, but they interact with their surroundings with wildly varying degrees of boldness, curiosity, and personality. While I wish there was more information into the psyche of an octopus in the book, the lack is due only to there not being any. Octopuses are still largely a mystery to us, as they are delicate while also being extremely powerful and robust, and are so complex and variegated that study is not an easy undertaking. Additionally, the concept of animals having consciousness, thought, and personality is still a relatively new one.

I hope that if you get the opportunity to read this book, you take it without hesitation. I loved it. When the author decided to learn to scuba dive, I was inspired to learn as well. I don't know when or how, but the descriptions of the beautiful underwater world have an irresistible draw for me. I love many sea creatures. The fact that jellyfish don't have brains and are just bundles of neurons blows me away. The fantastic deep sea creatures that live in total darkness mesmerize me with their bizarre beauty. Complex crustaceans such as crabs are so lively I can't help but enjoy them. I love the gracefulness of sharks and the utter immensity of whales. And of course, the curiosity and incredible ingenuity of the octopus. I want to meet one someday, and also get a fleeting glimpse into the soul of an octopus.